Zhong Lin has an otherworldly ability to create something like synesthetic images: her sensuous, vibrant photographs have almost a tactile quality to them, you can feel
The confluence of different cultures and aesthetics shines through her imagery, from the Red of the Chines opera, to the vibrancy of Malaysia. Looking at her instagram feed is overwhelming, but, refreshingly, in a pleasant way, and it looks even more astonishing if you consider that all the last 365 images has been created from scratch on the day they were posted.
When she found herself stuck in Taiwan for the Covid-19 travel restriction, the self-thought photographer, whose work from art to fashion has been showcased extensively in some of the best international magazines, decided to start producing, creating (nothing from the archives!) and publishing a new original photo on her Instagram every day for one year. And so, on April 23, 2020, #Project365 began.
In a moment where languishing might easily be the most shared feeling worldwide, Lin reminds us the power, the relief and the sheer joy of creativity. Here's our Q&A:
How did your interest in photography start?
I was amazed at the process of developing black and white film during college. From then, I knew I wanted to have a career in photography, though I wasn’t sure which aspect of it. I love the part about creating and photography happens to be the medium which I have easy access to. For me, photography is like a multiverse where I can create a new world within it and document it. I think that is what drew me in.
What is the first image that struck you? Or the first one you remember, or the one that made you want to become an artist?
It’s not so much as to what is the first image that struck me, it is the feeling I felt when I first took that photo. I cannot recall it, but I remember how I felt that at that very moment. The feeling of wanting to become an artist.
How much your upbringing and culture influence your art?
I grew up in a multiracial cultural environment. I could be eating Malay food and be watching a Hollywood movie, with Indian music playing in the background, while talking to my family in Mandarin. It sounds hectic but all these plays a crucial role in my photography. My parents are educated differently, my dad being English educated and my mom being Chinese educated, I have always been brought up in an open-minded environment. I grew up unbiased like a sponge, always interested in learning about different cultures and absorbs all that comes my way.
How relevant is the autobiographical side in your work?
I would say it reflects in my work. It has always been personal.
Project 365ended today, on April 22, 2021. How did it start?
I tried this challenge before, but I gave up. It was simply a daunting commitment if you think about it. I eventually gave in to various excuses, like ‘I’m too busy’ or ‘I wasn’t ready’ etc. This time however, I knew the pandemic wouldn’t be over so soon, that’s when I thought, I want to give this challenge another chance and persevere with it. And I did, with the help of everyone.
What was the most challenging thing about it?
Having to consistently shoot for 365 days without fail. Rain or shine, sick or well, there is no excuses this time. It is like how no matter what happens, life must go on.
What did you discover about yourself while shooting this?
Sometimes, I am expected to make many decisions in a short time, I can be indecisive at moments like that. At times, after posting my photo, I would have regrets on the colour or some other things, but I need to move on because the next day I must create and make decisions again. Through this, I realised my weaknesses, and it’s great because I can work on them, to be a better person.
Did your style change during the year?
Yes, no and maybe? I don’t really confine myself to a certain style, I am more about being instinctive. Maybe my audiences can tell me? It would be interesting to know.
How did the pandemic impacted your creativity?
In the early stage, I felt the strain of having to stay in one place for too long. Pre-pandemic, I was constantly traveling and was frequently exposed to different environment and new people, these plays a part in my creativity. I felt a bit down when I started Project 365 because I wasn’t sure how I can stimulate myself for it. I also had to restart and find a comfortable team in Taiwan to work with. Fortunately for me, the pandemic is under control in Taiwan and made it possible for me to travel and work within it.
Can you walk me to your creative process?
I don’t have a standard of procedures, after all, this is about creativity, it comes whenever they like in every form. Sometimes, I am not even sure what I want to do for it that day because I have other projects happening concurrently together with Project 365. I don’t have time to think or plan ahead. Often the shoot happens right after another project, I had to come up with something on the spot at that moment.
How do you choose your subjects?
Spontaneity? I don’t have a certain way of choosing a subject. Sometimes through talking or just coming across someone/it randomly. I like learning about their stories and taking time to understand them. It is also the chemistry with them that I look for, I find comfort with working with people I know. Since we have a good understanding of one another, we can produce great work with ease.
Do you shoot instinctively, or you construct your pictures?
Mostly instinctively, I go with the flow, occasionally I have an idea I want to try. During the shoot, things can be unpredictable at times, it is common to have changes. At times like this, I just go along with the moment.
How big of a role chance and mistakes have in your pictures?
I think chances and mistakes has their own merits. There is no right or wrong, or a standard equation to this. Even if someone comment on the flaw, I still feel it’s alright to have it. I embrace them instead of trying to eliminate it.
Do you think photography is a universal language?
Of course! “A picture is worth a thousand words”. It doesn’t matter if you cannot read or write, anyone can appreciate a picture, that is the beauty of it.
What do you look for in an image?
I look for emotions. There are too many visuals in our life because of how easily accessible they are. I believe that every photo need that human touch and cannot be replaced by technology and editing.
What are the underlying influences in your work?
Food!
What kind of impact do you hope to have with your images?
Emotions and thoughts. I get messages of appreciation and thank you for what I do. I sometimes find it intriguing that they get inspired by my work to create. But I supposed everyone needs something to hold on to when they are lost. I am just creating what I love most, and it is great to know that my art has impacted their life and motivated them.
We live in a time where images are overwhelmingly present, where our vision is constantly overstimulated - how does this affect photography? Does this affect you?
Many things are easily accessible nowadays, everyone wants to chase after a trend, a moment, a fab but I always love going back to the classics. The classics are more than just a meaningless instant click to like, and you forget about it, it’s something that makes you go back for more. It does affects me a little, but I try not to be too bothered by it, it’s not good for me or the creative process. During the shoot, I try to immerse in the moment rather than thinking about it so much. I love being in the moment of shooting, everything else doesn’t matter during it.
It’s a time of uncertainty and political polarization, what is the role of the artist, the role of beauty? Do you feel a responsibility?
Yes, I do feel responsible, since my audiences might change their opinion based on how I interpret it, like a child imitates their parents. Everyone has different ideas when it comes to politics, but who can say who is right or wrong? Everyone needs to have this responsibility, in this world of social media, where many can be easily influenced, it is best to consider how we want to share your views. I like to keep my art/photography from being tied down to a certain notion. I want it to be exempt from any confinement.
What’s next?
No more 365, for certain, this will be my first and last.
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